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Farr dissents on vote about ‘owner’ bylaw

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Electronic voting must be unanimous to be official By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Despite initial assertions that the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously by email last week to amend the definition of owner of record in its proposed bylaws revisions, it has since come to light that Director Rick Farr opposed the… Read more »

Rose steps down as chair of HDC

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But she’ll continue to serve while turning leadership role over to Norman Bunting By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Leadership roles on Berlin’s Historic District Commission changed earlier this month with former chairperson Carol Rose handing the reins over to Norman Bunting. After 14 years as commission chair, Rose opted to vacate the role. “I… Read more »

Environmental Committee talks geese deterrence

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By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Continued efforts to reduce the wild goose population around ponds in Ocean Pines were focused on last week by the Environmental and Natural Assets Committee. In addition to the plan to post signs that discourage feeding wildlife, other proposals for geese control options were examined during the groups’ meeting… Read more »

Church retiring as commissioner at end of fifth term

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By Jack Chavez (March 24, 2022) West Ocean City’s county commissioner is ready to “smell the roses.” That was the phrase Worcester County Commissioner James “Bud” Church used often in discussing his decision to retire from his position of the last 20 years when his term expires later this year. Church, 80, whose District 3… Read more »

Berlin council sticking with ’22 tax rate

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Would net $144K more over current year’s revenue By Greg Ellison (March 17, 2022) Berlin officials appear ready to maintain the current real property tax rate for FY23, with a first hearing held during the mayor and Town Council meeting on Monday. Financial Director Natalie Saleh said the proposed tax rate is 81.5 cents per… Read more »

Berlin ping pong park plans greenlighted by Town Council

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By Greg Ellison (March 17, 2022) The long-desired addition of ping pong at Burbage Park was approved by the Berlin Town Council on Monday. In November, the council authorized the nonprofit We Heart Berlin to purchase ping pong tables and equipment ahead of receiving formal approval. We Heart Berlin Vice-President Jeff Smith presented final project… Read more »

Election bylaws revisions spark strong protest

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Speakers challenge rules on candidate eligibility By Greg Ellison (March 17, 2022) Granting more time for consideration or voting no for a host of proposed bylaw changes were the main messages residents sent to the Ocean Pines Board of Directors during a town hall on Saturday. Communications Advisory Committee Chair Cheryl Jacobs moderated the hybrid… Read more »

Crematorium awaits code change

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Parties argue over project’s appropriateness in town By Greg Ellison (March 17, 2022) A discussion of a proposed zoning amendment that would permit crematoriums in town as a conditional use resulted in a spirited disagreement at the Monday night meeting of the Berlin mayor and Town Council. The amendment sought to revise the town zoning… Read more »

Pines Bylaws Committee suggests changes

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By Greg Ellison (March 10, 2022) Final refinements of proposed governance rules tied to Ocean Pines Board candidate qualifications were drafted by the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee last week ahead of a related town hall this Saturday. Committee Chair Jim Trummel said the group began crafting bylaw changes last April, with a laundry list of… Read more »

Ocean Pines town hall Saturday on bylaws revisions

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Association members will be brought up to speed on 30-some possible changes By Greg Ellison (March 10, 2022)  A host of proposed bylaw changes that are subject to a referendum by Ocean Pines Association voters will be reviewed during a hybrid town hall meeting at the Golf Clubhouse on Saturday at 9 a.m. Over the… Read more »